Brussels ( Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels is expecting significant disruptions in public transport on Monday, 13th January, as a result of a national strike by the bus union. The strike is required due to the continuing demonstration against European socio-political measures and the proposals being made for the formation of the government.
The unions representing STIB, the public transport operator in Brussels, are calling on its members to go on this national strike, which is expected to disrupt the services offered by the metro, trams and buses. However, the degree of such disruptions cannot be predicted at the moment; therefore, STIB has agreed that it will ensure that some form of public transport is still available and will continuously update passengers on the functional form of transport available for use.
Any form of transport with the public in Brussels shall be affected by extensive interruption, especially on January 13, since unions intending to protest austerity measures across Europe are planning to stage a national strike. STIB convinces passengers to use other forms of transport and assures them that it can provide up-to-date information about the services. Since the strike is looming around the corner, such challenges are expected to transpire, and STIB is limited in its ability to provide its usual offering of service. The transport company has urged the passengers to search for other transport options on the particular day of the strike as much as possible.
To ensure that commuters are well informed, STIB shall provide information through the organisation’s website, social media accounts, mobile applications, and waiting time screens at stops and stations. Something that will benefit the operator is their multi-mobility application, Floya, as this will provide new routes based on the existing lines. Additionally, Floya will offer options for alternative modes of transport, such as bicycles, scooters, taxis, and shared cars. To assist passengers during this period of disruption, STIB’s Customer Care service will be available from 06:00 on January 13. Customers can contact us with questions via Twitter, Facebook or by phone number 070 23 2000. The company is trying its best to provide information regarding travelling as well as to let people know about their journey should there be an interruption.
Context of the strike and union actions
The strike to be held in the coming days indicates that employees are dissatisfied with the policies of the European Union, and there is a delay in the formation of the Belgian government. TU leaders assert that such fiscal measures target the public sector and employees’ welfare, triggering organised strikes and protests. This is part of a series of protests in different sectors in Belgium in a bid to sue for better wages, working conditions, and treatment of employees. There has been a surge of protests among workers in Brussels in the last few years due to changes in the economic climate and policy adjustments.
The current scenario demonstrates that conflicts between employees and employers’ associations remain current and forecast budget problems and public service financing. When the workers are ready to go on strike on January 13, the consequences for the public transport consumers are rather astonishing, which is why it is crucial to engage in timely communication and organise the provision of other transport in such an unfortunate period. The events that preceded and accompanied this strike can be recalled as key examples of the problem under which the public transportation systems suffer from disruption of service continuity due to socio-political reasons.
